Global leader in testing, inspection and certification helping manufacturers and users of chemical formulations in textile and leather brands open the door to lucrative and increasingly regulated markets
HONG KONG, Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TUV Rheinland's Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) testing program has been recognized by the Stichting ZDHC Foundation (ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme) as newest Certification standard to assess ZDHC MRSL Level 1 Conformance (Newslink).
The organization, which has built a reputation as a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, has been approved to assess MRSL Level 1 testing conformance in connection with the ZDHC Gateway - Chemical Module. The Module is an advanced search engine for chemical formulations that conform to ZDHC's MRSL guidance. It enables textile and leather manufacturers to find safer alternatives and reduce their use of hazardous chemicals.
"We are delighted to have TUV Rheinland as our newest ZDHC MRSL Accepted Certification Standard," says ZDHC Programme Director Scott Echols.
"Today, every company or brand that is engaged in chemicals management has a Restricted Substances List (RSL) aimed at limiting the hazardous chemicals and substances that consumers are exposed to in finished garments. However, the manufacturing process may use hundreds of chemicals, and even if they are washed-out before the garments reach the end-consumer, they may still impact the health of workers and the environment in the countries of production," said Mohammed Dkhissi, Global Vice President Softlines, TUV Rheinland.
In addition, the chemicals used to clean the processing equipment and facilities can have a massive impact. Not only on the final product, but on the environment as well.
Receiving ZDHC approval for the ZDHC MRSL Testing program marks a milestone for TUV Rheinland and its customers. Ensuring that dyestuffs, pigments and auxiliaries are ZDHC MRSL-compliant mitigates potential risks and downstream impacts. It also opens the door for manufacturers and users of chemical formulations in the textile and leather industry to lucrative and increasingly regulated markets.
Achieving ZDHC MRSL Level 1 Conformance with TUV Rheinland
The ZDHC Programme relies on expert third-parties to gauge ZDHC MRSL conformance. ZDHC MRSL Level 1 includes a process to help chemical suppliers to demonstrate conformance. TUV Rheinland has developed sophisticated certification systems, based on the assessment of chemicals used during production and product evaluation.
"Along with our ZDHC-approved waste water testing laboratory, our global team of ZDHC-approved trainers, SAC FEM 3.0 & BEPI qualified auditors and verifiers, this new recognition enables chemical manufacturers and textile, garment and leather product producers to manage the input of chemicals and remove hazardous substances from their manufacturing processes," said Dkhissi.
The ZDHC MRSL is a living document which is updated as needed to expand the scope of materials and processes covered, and include new substances that should be phased out of the value chain. The latest ZDHC MRSL can be downloaded at mrsl.roadmaptozero.com.
About TUV Rheinland's services to enable DETOX goals
www.tuv.com/detox
About TUV Rheinland
TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group employs 19,700 people around the globe. Annual revenue is more than EUR1.9 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all industrial sectors and areas of life. TUV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, and oversees projects, processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, the company operates a global network of approved labs and testing and education centers. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. www.tuv.com
About the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme
The ZDHC Foundation oversees implementation of the Roadmap to Zero Programme and is a global industry collaboration of currently 109 contributors (24 brands, 69 value chain affiliates, and 16 associates) within the sports, fashion, luxury and outdoor industry. The vision is widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry, driving innovations and best practices in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industries to protect consumers, workers and the environment. Through collaborative engagement, standard setting and large-scale implementation ZDHC advances the industry towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals. ZDHC takes a holistic approach to sustainable chemical management and enables tangible progress in the wider industry by a number of reference guidance and practical tools, capacity building and innovation projects. More information about ZDHC at www.roadmaptozero.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, on Facebook and on Twitter.
